With winter slowly but surely making way for spring, we can look forward to bidding adieu to the sofa and stepping outside to enjoy the rays of sunshine. But with spring comes Easter and Mother’s Day, and so many birthdays. Before you know it, you’re faced with the terrible quest of getting gifts for everyone, yet again. But what if we told you that we have the perfect plans and gift ideas guaranteed to please every age?
Gifting experiences is the easiest and most foolproof way to reconnect with friends and family, and boy do we have some recommendations! Gift your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come, from incredible concerts and immersive exhibitions, to a special treat for a TV buff and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts with our ultimate experiential gift guide below:
1. Candlelight
Whether you love folk rock, disco pop, classical music and more, the Candlelight concert series is bringing mesmerizing experiences to NYC’s loveliest spaces! You can catch tributes to your favorite artists, like Radiohead, ABBA, The Beatles, Beyoncé and more, played by highly talented musicians, including Highline String Quartet.
For fans of classical music, make sure to check out Beethoven’s Best Works at the neo-gothic Church of the Heavenly Rest on the Upper West Side. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, celebrated for his Gothic Revival buildings, this New York gem offers great acoustics with the visuals of beautifully stained glass windows. Don’t miss listening to the “Moonlight sonata”, String quartet No. 13 in B major, and “Ode to joy” under the glistening candles.
Enjoy a series of concerts illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in New York!
2. Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Need a plan you can make with your family members or perhaps even enjoy on your own? The Small is Beautiful Exhibition is your answer! It offers over 130 exclusive artworks and 80 photographs by 32 local and international artists. This is the biggest international exhibition entirely dedicated to miniature art and you can find several pieces created exclusively for the event and hidden in unusual corners-so keep an eye out for these nuggets!
With over 150,000 visitors and fantastic reviews in Paris and London, the Small is Beautiful universe is finally coming to NYC! Right in the heart of NYC, a gallery at 718 Broadway, near Washington Park.
Discover the wonderful world of miniature art by artists from all over the world!
3. Titanic. The Exhibition
For anyone who is a history buff, Titanic. The Exhibition is a deeply moving experience where you can learn about the history and the fateful destiny of the legendary ship. There are personal belongings and other relics from passengers and survivors. Visitors can also experience a life-size recreation of the ship’s interior.
Journey back to 1912 through photographs, handwritten letters and wayward keepsakes. This thought-provoking exhibit is located just a short walk away from Union Square’s holiday market at 526 6th Avenue.
Immerse yourself in the moving history of the Titanic through this unforgettable experience!
4. Banksy: Building Castles in the Sky Exhibition
Calling all rebellious art lovers! Banksy returns to New York City! The legendary residency is back and better than ever, with over 80 original works on display at 378 Broadway in a tribute exhibition by MetaMorfosiNY.
You can also view his most iconic work and relive his itinerary followed by Banksy back in 2013 through the Big Apple and by reproducing some of the artist’s famous works, including “Girl with Balloon”, “Love is in the Air (Flower Thrower)”, “Gangsta Rat”, “Toxic Mary” and many more.
Step into the creative world of the mysterious street artist.
5. The FRIENDS™ Experience
This Easter season take your besties to the FRIENDS™ Experience and relive your favorite scenes from one of the most popular series! Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St, this experience allows you to step into your favorite moments and settings of the show. Could it BE any more fun?
You can lounge in Chandler and Joey’s recliners, pivot a couch in a tiny apartment stairwell or spill some tea at Central Perk. I KNOW!
Celebrate your friendships while posing on the iconic orange couch!
6. Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to eat in the dark? This incredibly unique and reinvigorating experience requires relying purely on your other senses besides sight to navigate and enjoy your food. It can enhance your sense of taste, focus on smells, and awareness of texture. After donning your blindfold in the darkened, candlelit room, you’ll be able to experience flavors and textures like never before. And best of all, you’ll get to savor a mystery menu created by Leuca Restaurant‘s chefs, inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy, which features carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Yum!
Take a seat and challenge your perception of food.
7. New York: Greenwich Village Haunted Tour
NYC is one of the most famous cities in the world, but do you know its dark history? Discover Manhattan’s shady and corrupt political past, where some skeletons still remain…
Mystery fans can unite to experience Greenwich Village and its ghost stories spanning centuries. Play this city exploration game and discover the unsettling history of the construction of Washington Square Park. Pass by the literal ‘House of Death’ and maybe even have an encounter with the infamous spirit of Aaron Burr! The departure point is St Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery.
Find New York’s skeletons in the closet in this city exploration game.
8. Artists of Manhattan City Exploration Game
This spring you can discover Greenwich Village in a fun and new way by playing an exploration game! Stroll through the streets of Greenwich Village and discover the epicenter of the hippie movement and the stage of the Beatnik Riot.
As you play this city exploration game, follow clues to find out where poets and musicians lived and performed. Enjoy the musical aura that radiates from Electric Lady Circus, or head to The Bitter End, a venue that claims to be New York City’s oldest rock and roll club.
Start your adventure at The White Horse Tavern!
9. NYC Skyline Dinner Cruise
Looking for an elegant and romantic night out this weekend? We’ve got just the plan for you! Board a yacht at Pier 36 with three panoramic decks and catch great views of the NYC skyline, while sipping a complimentary glass of champagne.
You can enjoy live DJ performances over a 3-course dinner included with your ticket. Tickets also include access to all decks, such as the amazing Sky Deck, where you can take photos to commemorate your night out with friends, family, or partner.
Come aboard an exclusive yacht and enjoy the beautiful NYC skyline!
10. The Museum of Failure
In a culture that mostly celebrates success, the Museum of Failure stands out by starting a conversation about learning through our blunders—perfect for that friend or family member that’s always making mistakes.
It offers a unique exhibition of failed products and services from around the world where every item provides unique insight into the risky business of innovation. After all, the greatest achievements can only be reached by embracing failure and taking meaningful risks to pave the way for progress.
11. Game of 1000 Boxes: NYC’s First Live Game Show
Ever wanted to be on a game show? Now you can live your fantasy with fun and exciting party games. Game of 1000 Boxes: NYC’s First Live Game Show can have up to 32 players face off for a chance to win one of the mystery boxes! The game takes place at Lightbox, located 248 W 37th Street and the experience lasts approximately one hour long.
With the purchase of one ticket you will be paired with up to three other players around a single podium, working together as one team of four. This makes for a perfect birthday gift, as well. There is admission for one, two or a group of four people.
Snag tickets now for the competitive brainiacs in your life!
12. MoonRise: A Nouveau Circus Immersive Performance
Want to know which moon goddess aligns with your Zodiac? Or, are you on the lookout for something fun to do with your bestie? Tap into your inner moon goddess at this event!
MoonRise: A Nouveau Circus Immersive Performance is an immersive theatrical experience with circus-based acts, multi-sensory interactive installations and themed cocktails. First identify your moon goddess based on your birthday and learn more about the traits of your sign.
Celebrate Pisces and Aries season with this unique experience in Brooklyn!
13. The Rose Room: Parlor of Wonder
The Rose Room: Parlor of Wonder is a speakeasy in Midtown that offers the best nightlife entertainment weekly. Bringing classic cabaret into the modern era, these alluring jazz and magic performances are not for the faint of heart!
Whether you want to go alone, or book a table for your friends, this experience will transport you back to the 1920s.
Step into the “Gin Joint” at the Producer’s Club, NYC.
14. Museum of Natural History Murder Mystery
Come to the Museum of Natural History and join this exciting scavenger hunt! Follow the story of Dino Dave, who recently disappeared after registering for a scavenger hunt with his local meetup group. You’ll have 90 minutes to look for clues in the exhibits and in social media posts.
Upon arrival, your team will receive a sheet with 30 different clues. You can make new friends by joining the group at the end of the day for some food and drinks!
Enjoy this thrilling scavenger hunt in the Museum of Natural History.
15. America’s Red, White and Blue Comedy: Stand-up Comedy
Are you in the mood for some laughs? New York City is well-known for its legacy in comedy and popular culture. However, this summer there’s a unique stand-up experience on its way, all about celebrating America in all its glory! This could be the perfect summer date night or the best gift for the 4th of July right on the Upper West Side.
Get ready to cry your eyes out from laughter, featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming East Coast comedians and politician impersonators including Bernie Sanders, Sarah Palin, Ron DeSantis, and Trump!
Stand up and get your tickets to laugh!